Bayonne warn Phillips: ‘ We are sick of you’
WALES scrum- half Mike Phillips could be sacked by Bayonne for allegedly turning up to a video analysis session under the influence of alcohol.
The French club are understood to be considering cutting their ties with Phillips, above, following a hearing on Tuesday after what they claim is the latest in a series of disciplinary incidents.
Although a statement issued by the club last night insisted “no decision has been made”, reports from France claim Bayonne chairman Alain Afflelou is ready to wash his hands of the 31- year- old.
“This is unacceptable and not worthy of a professional player,” he said. “It shows a lack of respect for the club’s partners and the public. This is not the first time and we are sick of it. It is shameful.”
Despite Phillips’ chequered off- field history, which involved a suspension by Wales in 2011 after a confrontation with a Cardiff doorman, there is likely to be no shortage of suitors for the Lions scrum- half if he is released from his contract early.
One of his potential employers is the WRU, who have offered to put Wales’ leading players on short- term central contracts until the row over Europe, and the funding issues for the regions, can be sorted.
A solution moved a step closer yesterday when all six Unions agreed a format for a new slimmed- down version of the Heineken Cup and a financial split acceptable to the rebel English and French clubs.
The new tournament will involve 20 clubs – six each from England and France and seven from the Pro12, whose four constituent nations will each be guaranteed one entrant.
The 20th place next year will go to the winner of a play- off between the seventh- placed English and French clubs. In following seasons the play- off will also involve the eighth and ninth- placed Pro12 sides.
The money will be divided equally between the English, French and Pro12, which means an increase from 24 per cent of the pot to 33 per cent for the Premiership sides.
Who will run the tournament is the one sticking point.